Saturday 9-23-17 Free Plays / Trends / Betting Info / Etc

[Can'tPickAWinner]

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Ohio Stadium, Columbus, Ohio


Preview: UNLV at Ohio State

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

Ninth-ranked Ohio State looks to continue seeing progress as it readies for the meat of the Big Ten season when the Buckeyes host UNLV on Saturday in the finale of its non-conference schedule. Senior quarterback J.T. Barrett stepped up with his finest performance of the young season last week as he completed 25-of-33 passes for 270 yards and a pair of touchdowns in Ohio State’s 38-7 win over Army.

Barrett had been questioned after connecting on just 55.7 percent of his passes in the first two games, including the 31-16 loss to Oklahoma, but the 22-year-old is just 238 from being the first Buckeye to reach 10,000 yards of total offense. “The heart of a lion,” Ohio State coach Urban Meyer told reporters of Barrett, who passed Drew Brees last week for the Big Ten record in career TDs responsible for with 107. “He’s one of the toughest players I’ve ever been around, so that’s pretty good characteristics to have for the guy touching the ball every snap.” Meyer said this week that the Buckeyes are still a work in progress on offense while their pass defense and kick coverage needs to improve as they face UNLV, which scored 84 points in its first two games. The Rebels were shocked by FCS member Howard in their opener before rolling over Idaho 44-16 on Sept. 9 and enjoying a week off to get ready for the team’s first meeting with the Buckeyes.

TV: Noon ET, Big Ten Network. LINE: Ohio State -40.5

UNLV (1-1): The Rebels have totaled 701 yards on the ground in the first two games, led by junior Lexington Thomas (341, five touchdowns), and will face a defense this week which is allowing just 3.1 per carry. Freshman quarterback Armani Rogers has completed 21-of-35 for 413 yards and a pair of TDs while adding 168 yards and a score on the ground with 25 attempts. Senior wide receiver Devonte Boyd is the biggest threat for the Rebels with six receptions for 208 yards in the first two games, leaving him 162 receiving yards shy of becoming the second player in school history to reach 3,000.

OHIO STATE (2-1): Sophomore K.J. Hill pulled down a career-high eight passes against Army to tie junior Parris Campbell for the team lead with 15 receptions and junior Terry McLaurin joins the pair as a 100-yard receiver in three games. Sophomore Mike Weber (seven carries, 42 yards) is still not 100 percent according to Meyer due to a hamstring injury, but the Buckeyes have not missed a beat on the ground with freshman J.K. Dobbins rushing for 425 yards (7.7 per attempt) and three touchdowns. Senior safety Damon Webb has led the defense, which is giving up over 275 passing yards per game, with 24 tackles.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Barrett needs 95 passing yards to move ahead of Bobby Hoying (7,232) for second on the school’s all-time list.

2. UNLV is 2-14 against teams currently in the Big Ten (both wins against Wisconsin) and the highest ranked team it has beaten was No. 8 BYU in 1981.

3. Ohio State LB Chris Worley (foot) is questionable for Saturday’s contest and WR Johnnie Dixon (hamstring) is day-to-day.

PREDICTION: Ohio State 45, UNLV 17

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - UNLV at No. 9 Ohio State

ATS Trends

UNLV

Rebels are 6-1-1 ATS in their last 8 vs. Big Ten. Rebels are 10-3-1 ATS in their last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Rebels are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Rebels are 24-49-4 ATS in their last 77 road games. Rebels are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS win. Rebels are 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

Ohio State

Buckeyes are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Buckeyes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Buckeyes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Buckeyes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Buckeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games. Buckeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Buckeyes are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 vs. MWC. Buckeyes are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games following a ATS loss. Buckeyes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win. Buckeyes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

OU Trends

UNLV

Over is 6-1 in Rebels last 7 non-conference games. Over is 6-1 in Rebels last 7 games in September. Over is 5-1 in Rebels last 6 games following a straight up win. Over is 13-3 in Rebels last 16 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Rebels last 5 vs. Big Ten. Over is 4-1 in Rebels last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 12-3 in Rebels last 15 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 20-6 in Rebels last 26 games on fieldturf. Over is 10-3 in Rebels last 13 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 23-7 in Rebels last 30 games overall. Under is 9-3 in Rebels last 12 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Over is 6-2 in Rebels last 8 games following a ATS win. Over is 7-3 in Rebels last 10 road games. Under is 9-4 in Rebels last 13 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Ohio State

Under is 4-0 in Buckeyes last 4 vs. MWC. Under is 5-1 in Buckeyes last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Buckeyes last 5 non-conference games. Under is 6-2 in Buckeyes last 8 games in September. Under is 6-2 in Buckeyes last 8 home games. Over is 6-2 in Buckeyes last 8 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 11-4 in Buckeyes last 15 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Under is 17-7 in Buckeyes last 24 games following a straight up win.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Doak Campbell Stadium, Tallahassee, Florida


Preview: North Carolina State at Florida State

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

Florida State had plenty of time to work out what went wrong in a season-opening loss to Alabama back on Sept. 2 and will finally get a chance to take the field again when it hosts North Carolina State in its ACC opener on Saturday. The 11th-ranked Seminoles had their scheduled home opener against Louisiana-Monroe cancelled on Sept. 9 and had a meeting with Miami last weekend postponed due to Hurricane Irma.

Florida State had its practice schedule interrupted by Hurricane Irma as well and is anxious to shake off the rust and make sure it is rounding into form as the ACC slate kicks off. “We’ll find out,” Seminoles coach Jimbo Fisher told reporters when asked about his team's form. “I’ve never had to do this. It’s new on me, too. Listen, all you can do is control what you can control. Practice well, prepare well, know what you’re going to do and go play. Nobody knows anything after that. I think we practiced well. I think we know what we’re doing, and we’ve just got to go play well." The Wolfpack are playing their first true road game and are anxious to prove they can play with the teams at the top of the ACC. NC State began its season with a tough 35-28 loss to South Carolina but recovered nicely while blowing away Marshall and Furman by a combined 86-36.

TV: Noon, ET, ABC or ESPN2. LINE: Florida State -13.

ABOUT NORTH CAROLINA STATE (2-1): The Wolfpack held a fourth-quarter lead over the Seminoles at home last season before suffering a 24-20 loss but showed off some of their offensive weapons with quarterback Ryan Finley and star tight end Jaylen Samuels each putting up big numbers. Those two are leading the NC State offense once again, and Finley is completing 75.6 percent of his passes for 987 yards, six touchdowns and no interceptions through the first three weeks. Samuels, who leads the team with 26 receptions and a pair of receiving TDs, showed off his skills in the running game with three rushing scores in the 49-16 triumph over Furman.

ABOUT FLORIDA STATE (0-1): The Seminoles not only lost the game to Alabama but also lost star quarterback Deondre Francois, who suffered a season-ending knee injury. Florida State will turn the offense over to freshman James Blackman, who at least got some extra time to study the playbook and practice with the first team during the layoff. “He has presence and poise,” Fisher said. “I’ve always said the No. 1 thing (quarterbacks) have to have, barring anything, I always look at it very early on, I say the No. 1 thing is presence. … They just have presence. When they talk, there’s a natural command to what they do and how they carry themselves. And I think James does that."

EXTRA POINTS

1. Blackman will be the first true freshman to start at QB for the Seminoles since 1985.

2. Wolfpack DE Bradley Chubb is tied for seventh in school history with 39.5 tackles for loss.

3. Florida State took the last four meetings over and five straight at home.

PREDICTION: Florida State 35, NC State 31

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - NC State at No. 11 Florida State

ATS Trends

NC State

Wolfpack are 20-4 ATS in their last 24 games following a bye week. Wolfpack are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. Wolfpack are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Wolfpack are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Wolfpack are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.

Florida State

Seminoles are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss. Seminoles are 13-3-1 ATS in their last 17 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Seminoles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Seminoles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Seminoles are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Seminoles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Seminoles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Seminoles are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Seminoles are 11-4 ATS in their last 15 games on grass.

OU Trends

NC State

Over is 4-0 in Wolfpack last 4 games overall. Over is 6-0-1 in Wolfpack last 7 games in September. Over is 4-0 in Wolfpack last 4 games on grass. Over is 4-0 in Wolfpack last 4 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 6-0-1 in Wolfpack last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 5-0 in Wolfpack last 5 conference games. Over is 4-1 in Wolfpack last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Under is 8-2 in Wolfpack last 10 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. Under is 10-4 in Wolfpack last 14 vs. a team with a losing record. Over is 15-6-1 in Wolfpack last 22 games following a ATS loss.

Florida State

Over is 7-1 in Seminoles last 8 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 5-1 in Seminoles last 6 games following a ATS loss. Over is 7-2 in Seminoles last 9 games following a bye week. Over is 5-2 in Seminoles last 7 games following a double-digit loss at home. Under is 5-2 in Seminoles last 7 conference games. Under is 7-3 in Seminoles last 10 games overall. Under is 7-3 in Seminoles last 10 games after allowing less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Under is 9-4 in Seminoles last 13 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 23-11 in Seminoles last 34 games on grass.

Head to Head

• Home team is 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
• Wolfpack are 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 meetings.
• Wolfpack are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 meetings in Florida State.
• Underdog is 15-5-1 ATS in their last 21 meetings.
• Under is 5-2 in the last 7 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 12:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Papa John's Cardinal Stadium, Louisville, Kentucky


Preview: Kent State at Louisville

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

Louisville entered last weekend believing it had a shot of becoming a top-10 team and exited with more questions than answers following a disappointing home loss to Clemson. The 20th-ranked Cardinals attempt to pick up the pieces Saturday when they host Kent State.

Reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson was bottled up for most of the night by the Tigers' defense, and even with the exodus of players such as Deshaun Watson and Mike Williams to the NFL, Clemson rolled up 613 total yards on Louisville in a 47-21 triumph Saturday. The Cardinals were only marginally better on offense, generating roughly half of their 413 yards and 14 of their points after falling behind 33-7 through three quarters. "I’m not sure that we had the confidence that we need to win a game like that. … We're not where I thought we were as a football team. … We did not execute the way we are used to executing, particularly in the first half and to start out the game," coach Bobby Petrino told reporters. The Golden Flashes may present an opportunity for the Cardinals to build up their confidence on both sides of the ball, however, as they struggled to beat Howard at home on Sept. 9 and have been outscored 77-3 in road losses to Clemson and last week against Marshall.
TV: Noon ET, ACC Network. LINE: Louisville -44.

ABOUT KENT STATE (1-2): Senior quarterback Nick Holley is unlikely to play Saturday after injuring his right knee, likely leaving an offense which ranks 126th in yards per game (259.3) and 122nd in points per game (13.7) in the hands of inexperienced backups George Bollas and Dustin Crum, who combined to go 7-of-17 for 117 yards against Marshall. Sophomore running back Justin Rankin is the team's leading healthy rusher and paces the team with six receptions, but the Flashes are averaging less than four yards per carry despite ranking among the FBS leaders with 141 attempts. Senior cornerback Demetrius Monday has intercepted a pass in each of the last two contests, while sophomore cornerback Jamal Parker made a career-high 12 tackles and broke up four passes last week.

ABOUT LOUISVILLE (2-1): Jackson continued his assault on the record books against Clemson, passing Georgia Tech's Joshua Nesbitt for the most career rushing yards by a quarterback in ACC history with 2,834 while also moving into third place on the school's all-time rushing list, regardless of position. Petrino admitted to being "encouraged" by Monday's workout from preseason All-American cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee), who is questionable for this game after suffering a knee injury in the first half of the season opener and has not played since. While the defense has performed well in some regards - 18 tackles for loss and 10 sacks - Alexander's return is crucial for a unit that ranks 122nd against the pass (331 yards per game), 104th in total defense (452.7) and 115th in scoring defense (36.7 points).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Jackson has been responsible for 85 touchdowns in his career and needs three more to overtake Chris Redman for the most in school history.

2. In its two losses, Kent State did not commit a turnover but went a combined 8-for-31 on third down.

3. Cardinals freshman WR Dez Fitzpatrick has caught a touchdown in three straight games and ranks second in the ACC with four receiving scores despite only 10 receptions.

PREDICTION: Louisville 56, Kent State 3

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Kent State at No. 20 Louisville

ATS Trends

Kent State

Golden Flashes are 11-27 ATS in their last 38 non-conference games. Golden Flashes are 16-42-1 ATS in their last 59 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Golden Flashes are 3-9 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Golden Flashes are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Golden Flashes are 4-12 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Golden Flashes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Golden Flashes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Golden Flashes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Golden Flashes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 road games. Golden Flashes are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. ACC. Golden Flashes are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Golden Flashes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in September. Golden Flashes are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Golden Flashes are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games on fieldturf.

Louisville

Cardinals are 6-2-1 ATS in their last 9 games in September. Cardinals are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a double-digit loss at home. Cardinals are 5-11 ATS in their last 16 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Cardinals are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss. Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Cardinals are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Cardinals are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Cardinals are 1-6 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Cardinals are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 home games. Cardinals are 0-4-1 ATS in their last 5 non-conference games. Cardinals are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games on fieldturf.

OU Trends

Kent State

Over is 6-1 in Golden Flashes last 7 games after accumulating less than 275 total yards in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in Golden Flashes last 7 games after scoring less than 20 points in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Golden Flashes last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 5-2 in Golden Flashes last 7 games overall. Over is 10-4 in Golden Flashes last 14 non-conference games. Over is 5-2 in Golden Flashes last 7 games following a straight up loss. Over is 5-2 in Golden Flashes last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Under is 12-5 in Golden Flashes last 17 road games. Over is 9-4 in Golden Flashes last 13 games in September.

Louisville

Over is 4-0 in Cardinals last 4 home games vs. a team with a losing road record. Over is 6-1 in Cardinals last 7 games in September. Under is 5-1-1 in Cardinals last 7 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Cardinals last 5 vs. a team with a losing record. Under is 6-2 in Cardinals last 8 games following a double-digit loss at home. Over is 13-5 in Cardinals last 18 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 10-4 in Cardinals last 14 games on fieldturf. Under is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 games following a straight up loss. Over is 5-2 in Cardinals last 7 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Over is 7-3 in Cardinals last 10 games following a ATS loss.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, California


Preview: USC at California

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

USC will try to maintain its recent dominance against California when the No. 5 Trojans hit the road for the first time this season to play the Golden Bears on Saturday. USC has won 13 straight games against California and 12 straight overall, but two of its three wins this season were much closer than expected, a big reason why the Trojans dropped a spot in the coaches' poll this week.

USC was a two touchdown favorite against visiting Texas on Saturday night, but needed a last second field goal in regulation and another in double overtime to defeat the Longhorns. The Trojans also needed a late surge to beat Western Michigan in their season opener and, even stranger, delivered their best performance a week later against their toughest opponent thus far, a 42-24 win against then-No. 14 Stanford. The Golden Bears are also 3-0 after coming from behind in the second half to win all three games, outscoring their opponents 57-13 in the process. "It's not always pretty with us, but the guys find a way," said first year coach Justin Wilcox, who coached USC's defense for nearly three seasons before he was fired by current coach Clay Helton following the 2015 regular season.

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: USC -16.5.

ABOUT USC (3-0, 1-0 Pac-12): The Trojans aren't having any difficulties moving the ball, and one of their biggest offensive threats has been junior wide receiver Deontay Burnett. He has 24 catches for 386 and four touchdowns this season, including a 25-yarder in the first overtime against Texas. California gave up two touchdowns of 75 yards or more last week against Mississippi, so there could be some seams to exploit for Burnett and quarterback Sam Darnold.

ABOUT CALIFORNIA (3-0, 0-0): The Golden Bears were without their best receiver last weekend, and whether Demetris Robertson returns from his undisclosed injury against the Trojans probably won't be known until game day. He was a freshman All-American last season after catching 50 passes for 767 yards and seven touchdowns, and was a key part of California's first two victories. Kanawai Noa stepped up with a career-best six catches for 81 yards and the sophomore from Honolulu could remain the top target of quarterback Ross Bowers if Robertson remains out.

EXTRA POINTS

1. USC does not have a bye between regular season games for the first time since 1985.

2. USC, UCLA and Notre Dame are the only FBS teams who have never played an FCS school since the divisions were established in 1978.

3. California has forced three turnovers in each of its first three games this season.

PREDICTION: USC 31, California 24

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - No. 5 Southern California at California

ATS Trends

Southern California

Trojans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 conference games. Trojans are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a ATS loss. Trojans are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Trojans are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 games following a straight up win. Trojans are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games overall. Trojans are 7-15 ATS in their last 22 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Trojans are 3-7 ATS in their last 10 road games. Trojans are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Trojans are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.

California

Golden Bears are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Golden Bears are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games in September. Golden Bears are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Golden Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 conference games. Golden Bears are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up win. Golden Bears are 1-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Golden Bears are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Golden Bears are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games following a ATS win.

OU Trends

Southern California

Under is 3-0-1 in Trojans last 4 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 5-1 in Trojans last 6 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Trojans last 5 games overall. Under is 8-3 in Trojans last 11 games following a straight up win. Under is 8-3 in Trojans last 11 games after accumulating less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 21-8-1 in Trojans last 30 conference games. Under is 5-2 in Trojans last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 10-4 in Trojans last 14 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 12-5 in Trojans last 17 road games. Under is 21-9-2 in Trojans last 32 games following a ATS loss. Under is 7-3 in Trojans last 10 vs. a team with a winning record.

California

Under is 7-1 in Golden Bears last 8 games after allowing less than 100 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Golden Bears last 5 games on fieldturf. Under is 5-2 in Golden Bears last 7 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 9-4 in Golden Bears last 13 games in September.

Head to Head

• Trojans are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 meetings in California.
• Trojans are 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
• Favorite is 7-1 ATS in their last 8 meetings.
• Under is 11-2 in the last 13 meetings.
• Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in California.
• Road team is 15-6 ATS in their last 21 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Clemson Memorial Stadium, Clemson, South Carolina


Preview: Boston College at Clemson

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

After two straight wins over top-15 opponents, things seemingly get easier for No. 2 Clemson when the Tigers return home to face struggling Boston College on Saturday. The Tigers have won six straight in the series, including a 56-10 rout last season, and Boston College hasn’t won at Clemson since 2007.


Clemson had to win ugly in a 14-6 defensive struggle with Auburn in Week 2, but the Tigers looked like a legitimate contender to repeat as national champions last week. They were dominant in a 47-21 win at Louisville, shutting down reigning Heisman Trophy winner Lamar Jackson until Clemson’s defensive reserves took the field in the fourth quarter. Boston College will have to be much improved on defense to have any hope of an upset, as the Eagles allowed 515 rushing yards in last week’s 49-20 home loss to Notre Dame - the second-highest rushing total allowed in program history, but Clemson coach Dabo Swinney isn’t taking them lightly. “They’re 1-2, but you’ve got to look beyond that,” Swinney told reporters. “They beat a Northern Illinois team that just beat Nebraska, lost to a really good Wake Forest team that is sitting there at 3-0 right now and then played Notre Dame and in the third quarter it was really tight before it got away from them in the fourth quarter.”
TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ESPN2. LINE: Clemson -34.5


ABOUT BOSTON COLLEGE (1-2, 0-1 ACC): The Eagles have struggled on defense, allowing 429 total yards and 34.3 points per game, and they’ve been especially bad against the run. The offense is a bit of a work in progress, as freshman quarterback Anthony Brown has thrown six interceptions against five touchdowns, but the offensive line has done a nice job of protecting him by allowing only four sacks. The Eagles have excelled in the kicking game, as Colton Lichtenberg is 6-for-6 on field goals and punter Mike Knoll has pinned opponents inside the 20-yard line 13 times.
ABOUT CLEMSON (3-0, 1-0): The Tigers have been balanced on offense behind junior quarterback Kelly Bryant, who has completed 68.7 percent of his passes for 733 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, and he ranks third on the team with 162 rushing yards and a team-high five TDs. Freshman Travis Etienne (179 yards, two TDs) and sophomore Tavien Feaster (176 yards, one TD) are the team’s top rushers, as starter C.J. Fuller (94 yards, two TDs) has been ineffective the past two weeks. The defense is allowing just 223.3 total yards per game and has racked up 16 sacks and 26 tackles for loss through three games.


EXTRA POINTS
1. Clemson is one of four FBS teams averaging at least 240 yards per game rushing (248.7) and passing (271), and the Tigers are 83-0-1 all-time when gaining at least 200 yards rushing and passing.
2. Clemson has averaged 334 passing yards and a 65 percent completion rate during its six-game winning streak against the Eagles.
3. Boston College is 2-28 all-time against top-five teams, including a 2-16 mark on the road, and 2-7-1 all-time against defending national champions.


PREDICTION: Clemson 41, Boston College 13

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Boston College at No. 2 Clemson

ATS Trends

Boston College

Eagles are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Eagles are 7-3-1 ATS in their last 11 games on grass. Eagles are 16-7-1 ATS in their last 24 games following a ATS loss. Eagles are 2-5 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Eagles are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Eagles are 1-4-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home. Eagles are 2-9-1 ATS in their last 12 conference games. Eagles are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 games in September.

Clemson

Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games. Tigers are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win. Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games in September. Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Tigers are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Tigers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Tigers are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Tigers are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games after allowing more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Tigers are 8-3 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win. Tigers are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 conference games. Tigers are 2-7 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.

OU Trends

Boston College

Under is 5-1 in Eagles last 6 games following a double-digit loss at home. Under is 4-1 in Eagles last 5 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 8-2 in Eagles last 10 games following a ATS loss. Under is 7-2 in Eagles last 9 games in September. Under is 16-5 in Eagles last 21 games following a straight up loss. Under is 22-8 in Eagles last 30 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Under is 36-14-1 in Eagles last 51 road games. Under is 42-18-1 in Eagles last 61 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Under is 34-15-2 in Eagles last 51 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 36-16-1 in Eagles last 53 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Under is 35-16-2 in Eagles last 53 conference games. Under is 36-17-1 in Eagles last 54 games on grass. Under is 63-31-2 in Eagles last 96 games overall.

Clemson

Over is 4-0 in Tigers last 4 conference games. Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Over is 4-1 in Tigers last 5 games following a ATS win. Over is 7-2 in Tigers last 9 games overall. Under is 7-2 in Tigers last 9 games in September. Over is 5-2 in Tigers last 7 games following a straight up win. Under is 17-7 in Tigers last 24 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 7-3 in Tigers last 10 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game.

Head to Head

• Under is 5-1 in the last 6 meetings in Clemson.
• Road team is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 3:30 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida


Preview: Toledo at Miami

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

It's back to football for the Miami Hurricanes, who haven't played since their 41-13 opening win over Bethune-Cookman due to Hurricane Irma. The 14th-ranked Hurricanes, who have been practicing in Orlando, return home on Saturday to face a Toledo team coming off a 54-51 shootout win over Tulsa.

While Miami dealt with the storm and its aftermath the last two weeks, Toledo has been tearing it up offensively en route to the team's 3-0 start. Leading the way is senior quarterback Logan Whiteside, who rallied the Rockets from a 21-point deficit against Tulsa and finished with six touchdown passes. Toledo is averaging 552.7 yards and 46.0 points a game and has scored at least 37 in each of the first three contests. "Obviously, offensively, they're very, very good at what they do," Miami coach Mark Richt told reporters. "They're a very dangerous team. They have our respect for a lot of reasons." Miami's aggressive defense will be more than ready, but a fast Toledo offense that took 88 snaps against Tulsa could eventually exhaust a unit that hasn't played competitive football in three weeks. "(The Hurricanes) play fast on defense," said Toledo coach Jason Candle. "They're running to the football and getting to you with bad intentions when they do get to the ball."

TV: 3:30 p.m. ET, ACC Network. LINE: Miami -13.5

ABOUT TOLEDO (3-0): Woodside was named the MAC West Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 458 yards and a school-record-tying six touchdowns against Tulsa. His top target was senior Cody Thompson, who established career bests in both receptions (nine) and receiving yards (178), while Diontae Johnson had a personal-high 142 yards receiving and two touchdowns on four catches. The defense surrendered 548 yards to Tulsa but safety Josh Teachey had a career-high 14 tackles and returned a blocked extra point 100 yards for two points.

ABOUT MIAMI (1-0): The Hurricanes' front seven managed just one sack in the opener but the talent is there for so much more -- and more will be needed to protect Miami's young secondary and contain the Rockets' explosive passing attack. With star running back Mark Walton (148 yards), the Hurricanes figure to challenge a porous Toledo defense that surrendered 6.2 yards per carry and 423 yards rushing last week. Miami quarterback Malik Rosier, making his third career start, may need to be unleashed after throwing for 217 yards and three touchdowns in a conservative opening win.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Miami defeated Toledo 24-14 in 1987 in the only prior meeting between the schools.

2. Toledo is 3-0 for the third straight season.

3. Due to Hurricane Irma, Miami has had a schedule shakeup, as its Sept. 9 matchup at Arkansas State was canceled, its game at in-state rival Florida State was rescheduled from Sept. 16 to Oct. 7, and its home matchup against Georgia Tech was shifted from Thursday, Oct. 12 to Saturday, Oct. 14.

PREDICTION: Miami 40, Toledo 20

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Toledo at No. 14 Miami

ATS Trends

Toledo

Rockets are 9-1-1 ATS in their last 11 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Rockets are 8-1-1 ATS in their last 10 games in September. Rockets are 14-2 ATS in their last 16 road games. Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Rockets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass. Rockets are 12-3-1 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Rockets are 7-2 ATS in their last 9 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Rockets are 9-3-1 ATS in their last 13 non-conference games. Rockets are 12-4 ATS in their last 16 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Rockets are 16-7-1 ATS in their last 24 games following a straight up win. Rockets are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Rockets are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Rockets are 2-10 ATS in their last 12 games following a bye week. Rockets are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

Miami

Hurricanes are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up win. Hurricanes are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games overall. Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Hurricanes are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games on grass. Hurricanes are 16-5 ATS in their last 21 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Hurricanes are 6-2 ATS in their last 8 games in September. Hurricanes are 19-7 ATS in their last 26 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Hurricanes are 5-2 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Hurricanes are 7-3 ATS in their last 10 games following a bye week. Hurricanes are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game.

OU Trends

Toledo

Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 4-0 in Rockets last 4 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Over is 6-1 in Rockets last 7 games after allowing less than 170 yards passing in their previous game. Under is 6-1 in Rockets last 7 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games in September. Under is 8-2 in Rockets last 10 games following a ATS loss. Under is 4-1 in Rockets last 5 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 17-5 in Rockets last 22 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Under is 20-6-1 in Rockets last 27 vs. a team with a winning record. Under is 22-8 in Rockets last 30 games on grass. Over is 8-3 in Rockets last 11 games following a bye week. Under is 21-8 in Rockets last 29 road games. Over is 5-2 in Rockets last 7 non-conference games. Under is 27-11-1 in Rockets last 39 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Miami

Under is 9-2 in Hurricanes last 11 games following a bye week. Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 games overall. Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 games following a straight up win. Under is 4-1 in Hurricanes last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Under is 5-2 in Hurricanes last 7 home games. Over is 5-2 in Hurricanes last 7 games following a ATS loss. Under is 44-19 in Hurricanes last 63 non-conference games. Under is 34-16-1 in Hurricanes last 51 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Head to Head

No trends available.

[Can'tPickAWinner]

When: 2:00 PM ET, Saturday, September 23, 2017
Where: Lane Stadium, Blacksburg, Virginia


Preview: Old Dominion at Virginia Tech

Gracenote
Sep 20, 2017

The one-game-at-a-time mantra surrounding No. 13 Virginia Tech looms large as the Hokies prepare to host Old Dominion on Saturday -- one week prior to their ACC opener versus No. 2 Clemson. Virginia Tech also has a license to feel good about itself after a 64-17 dismantling of East Carolina in Greenville, N.C., last week, but the focus appears to be on the Monarchs.

"Like coach said in the Sunday meeting, he said everybody's going to distract us with other things," Hokies junior defensive tackle Ricky Walker told The Roanoke Times. "But we've got to focus on this week, and that's (Old Dominion). We've just got to keep a tunnel vision and just block everything else out and just worry about the Monarchs. ... They won 10 ballgames (last year)." Virginia Tech is bidding for its first undefeated regular season since 2011 -- its only one over the last 10 seasons -- and has a good shot with freshman quarterback Josh Jackson running the show. His collegiate career is off to a stellar start as 55-for-85 passing for 829 yards and eight touchdowns against zero interceptions would attest. Old Dominion, which is playing its fourth FBS season and is the defending Conference USA East Division co-champion, is coming off a 53-23 loss to North Carolina after opening with victories over FCS member Albany and Massachusetts.

TV: 2 p.m. ET, ACC Network Extra. LINE: Virginia Tech -27.5

ABOUT OLD DOMINION (2-1): Freshman quarterback Steven Williams, 17, will make his first career start after entering the North Carolina game in the second quarter and completing 9-of-20 passes for 139 yards and two touchdowns. “Everybody played better once he came in,” Monarchs coach Bobby Wilder told reporters. “There’s just more energy; they took more ownership. I challenged everybody: You’ve got a freshman quarterback out there playing for the first time; you’ve got to play better.” It appears junior wide receiver Travis Fulgham has already become Williams' favorite target as the pair hooked up for a 71-yard touchdown last week.

ABOUT VIRGINIA TECH (3-0): Cam Phillips has benefited the most from Jackson's torrid start as the senior wide receiver has already matched a career high with five touchdown receptions and is averaging 15.4 yards on 27 catches after recording 189 yards on 14 catches with three TDs last week. Jackson (115 yards, one touchdown) is among three players with more than 100 rushing yards, joining junior Travon McMillian (121, one TD) and sophomore Deshawn McClease (113, one). The Hokies will again be without junior cornerback Adonis Alexander, who remains suspended after missing the East Carolina game and recording 14 tackles (one for loss) and three pass breakups in the season's first two contests.

EXTRA POINTS

1. Phillips needs 19 catches to surpass Isaiah Ford's school record of 210 and is on pace to shatter Ford's record of 79 receptions in a season set in 2016.

2. Virginia Tech is 38-0 at home versus non-conference foes since 1996 when scoring 30 or more points.

3. Old Dominion, which is 0-8 versus Power Five opponents, is 69-31 since 2009 and 23-17 since becoming an FBS team in 2014.

PREDICTION: Virginia Tech 42, Old Dominion 14

[Can'tPickAWinner]

Trends - Old Dominion at No. 13 Virginia Tech

ATS Trends

Old Dominion

Monarchs are 4-0-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Monarchs are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Monarchs are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a straight up loss. Monarchs are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss. Monarchs are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 road games. Monarchs are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games following a straight up loss of more than 20 points. Monarchs are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 games in September. Monarchs are 1-3-1 ATS in their last 5 games overall. Monarchs are 3-11 ATS in their last 14 non-conference games. Monarchs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games following a double-digit loss at home. Monarchs are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 vs. ACC. Monarchs are 1-5-1 ATS vs. a team with a winning record. Monarchs are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 road games vs. a team with a winning home record.

Virginia Tech

Hokies are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Hokies are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Hokies are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall. Hokies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 non-conference games. Hokies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games after accumulating more than 280 yards passing in their previous game. Hokies are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games on grass. Hokies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after scoring more than 40 points in their previous game. Hokies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games. Hokies are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games in September. Hokies are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Hokies are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 vs. CUSA.

OU Trends

Old Dominion

Over is 4-0 in Monarchs last 4 games following a double-digit loss at home. Over is 3-0-1 in Monarchs last 4 road games vs. a team with a winning home record. Over is 6-1 in Monarchs last 7 games following a straight up loss. Over is 5-1-1 in Monarchs last 7 games after allowing more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game. Under is 4-1 in Monarchs last 5 non-conference games. Over is 8-2 in Monarchs last 10 games after allowing more than 40 points in their previous game. Over is 4-1 in Monarchs last 5 vs. ACC. Over is 4-1 in Monarchs last 5 vs. a team with a winning record. Over is 14-5-1 in Monarchs last 20 road games. Over is 5-2 in Monarchs last 7 games on grass. Over is 5-2-1 in Monarchs last 8 games following a ATS loss.

Virginia Tech

Over is 9-2-1 in Hokies last 12 games in September. Over is 8-2 in Hokies last 10 games following a straight up win of more than 20 points. Over is 4-1 in Hokies last 5 home games vs. a team with a winning road record. Over is 11-3-1 in Hokies last 15 non-conference games. Over is 3-1-1 in Hokies last 5 games after accumulating more than 450 total yards in their previous game. Over is 5-2 in Hokies last 7 games after allowing less than 20 points in their previous game. Over is 7-3 in Hokies last 10 games after accumulating more than 200 yards rushing in their previous game.

Head to Head

No trends available.